https://www.verywellhealth.com/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist-5094869
An optometrist provides quality eye care that's focused on your vision, your eye health, and any changes that may suggest an underlying health issue. The ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who you will typically see for eye surgery and more complex eye diagnoses and treatment. Many practice in a specialty area, such as neurology.

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-doctor/choose.htm
Earn a four-year college degree in the sciences. Attend medical school and earn a four-year doctorate degree to become a physician (MD or DO) Complete a one-year internship. Complete a three-year residency in the medical and surgical care of the eye. An ophthalmologist can provide all the services an optometrist (OD) provides, and:

https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist
Unlike an ophthalmologist, an optometrist is not a surgical specialist and cannot treat more serious eye conditions. Optometrists provide the following services:: annual or routine eye exams

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-doctors-optometrists-ophthalmologists
Opticians aren't eye doctors and can't give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your optometrist gives you for glasses or contact lenses

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/what-is-ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, and the only eye doctor with a medical degree (MD). An optometrist is not a medical doctor but is often referred to as an eye doctor because they hold a doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Ophthalmologists must complete many more years of medical training than optometrists and opticians.

https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/difference-between-an-ophthalmologist-and-an-optometrist
Key takeaways: Optometrists are the first line of care for your eye health. They perform routine eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and know when a person needs to see an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that specialize in the care of more complex eye disorders and perform eye surgery if required.

https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/scope-practice/whats-difference-between-optometrists-and-ophthalmologists
In addition, whereas optometrists receive about one-year in clinical rotations, ophthalmologists get more than 12,000-16,000 hours during their training. Find out in detail why education matters to medical scope of practice, with information on: Nurse practitioners compared with physicians.

https://medschool.ucla.edu/blog-post/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist-what-is-the-difference
An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in eye health and eye care after graduating from a four-year medical or osteopathic school. In medical school, ophthalmologists study the human body and how it reacts to injury or illness and learn how to detect disease throughout the body. "By the end of four years, medical students must decide

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/optometrist-ophthalmologist-optician-oculist-difference
An ophthalmologist specializes in ophthalmology—the branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye. Unlike an optometrist, an ophthalmologist is a physician. Ophthalmologists can do vision tests and prescribe corrective lenses just like optometrists. But their chief specialty is diagnosing and

https://www.allaboutvision.com/nearby/optometrist-ophthalmologist-difference/
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor or osteopathic doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. Most ophthalmologists also perform routine eye exams and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct refractive errors and presbyopia. Some ophthalmologists also perform LASIK and other refractive surgery to

https://www.visioncenter.org/resources/eye-doctors/
Nevertheless, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work together to provide comprehensive eye care to people of all visual abilities. 1. Optometrists. An optometrist offers primary vision care. This is a doctor trained in the overall health of the eyes. They offer routine eye exams and a variety of different services.

https://www.medicinenet.com/optometrist_vs_ophthalmologist/views.htm
Opticians often work closely within the same practice as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, or an optician may have an independent practice. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is specialized in eye and vision care. In order to become an ophthalmologist, the acquisition of an M.D. or a D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) the degree is necessary

https://www.humana.com/vision-insurance/vision-resources/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists complete training in medical school, followed by a 1-year internship and 3-year residency. 2. Think of your optometrist as the primary care doctor for your eyes. Your ophthalmologist is more of a specialist who can treat complex medical issues related to your eyes, and can perform corrective procedures or surgeries.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/optometrist-or-ophthalmologist-which-is-best-for-your-eye-care
Whether you're scheduling your first routine eye exam, getting new glasses or having a problem with your vision, a quick search online for eye doctors may leave you scratching your head.

https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist/
An optometrist specializes in contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions, vision therapy, and poor vision. An ophthalmologist has additional training. They specialize in diagnosing and treating eye diseases, and they perform surgery. One of the primary differences between the two professions is the education they receive.

https://www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist/
Services provided by optometrists and ophthalmologists have some overlap, but ophthalmologists are permitted to offer more advanced services and treatments. Prescribing corrective lenses. Performing routine medical eye exams. Diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular conditions with both surgery and medicine.

https://www.zennioptical.com/blog/navigating-eye-care-ophthalmologist-vs-optometrist-explained/
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. Think of Optometrists as your primary care doctor, but for your eyes. An optometrist has earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after completing four years of

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-12-03/whats-the-difference-between-ophthalmologists-optometrists-and-opticians
By the time an ophthalmologist has completed training, Marioneaux says, "we have been tested, retested and we have board certification to practice ophthalmology, which encompasses routine eye

https://www.warbyparker.com/learn/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist
Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: What's the Takeaway? Both optometrists and ophthalmologists can diagnose, treat, and manage ocular conditions. Optometrists tend to specialize in routine, primary eye care, whereas ophthalmologists tend to sub-specialize in certain disciplines and can perform surgical intervention if required.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/20/1157710386/which-type-of-eye-doctor-do-you-need-optometrists-and-ophthalmologists-face-off
Enlarge this image. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating the eyes. Optometrists have less training and specialized education, but now provide most primary eye care in

https://www.clearlyeyecare.com/what-is-an-optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist/
Key Differences: Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist. Education and Training: The primary distinction lies in their education and training. Optometrists complete a Doctor of Optometry program, while ophthalmologists are medical doctors with specialized training in eye care. Services Offered: Optometrists primarily provide routine eye care, vision

https://www.aapos.org/glossary/difference-between-an-ophthalmologist-optometrist-and-optician
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus. 1935 County Rd B2 W Suite 165 Roseville, MN 55113 Office Hours: M-F from 9am-5pm CST, please leave a voicemail or email (see below) outside of standard office hours

https://diamondvision.com/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist-whats-the-difference/
Regardless, the main role of an optometrist is to perform eye exams and correct vision problems. The main difference between an ophthalmologist vs. optometrist is the ability to perform surgical procedures. Ophthalmologists perform surgeries such as Lasik, cataract removal, retina reattachment, and other procedures related to eye trauma.